Customer Reviews

AmazonBasics Carrying Case for 4.3-Inch Portable GPS (Black)

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

I currently own two Garmin GPS units, the GARMIN 010-00656-00 Nuvi 250W Widescreen Travel Assistant and the Garmin nüvi 285W/285WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic. Both are the same size, approximately 4.8 x 0.8 x [very slightly under] 3.0 inches. If your GPS is of similar size, it will fit perfectly into this case.

Both also fit perfectly in the Garmin 4.3-Inch Carrying Case. But, now that I own this AmazonBasics Carrying Case for Portable GPS Units (Black), which costs less and, I think, is better-made, I see no reason to buy the Garmin case.

This AmazonBasics unit is slightly smaller in exterior dimensions than the Garmin one, yet the AmazonBasics case is padded better. In addition, the AmazonBasics unit has elastic extensions on its sides rather than the vinyl ones on the Garmin; the extensions leave room at both the top and bottom of the sides in order to facilitate retrieving the GPS unit. It is easy to insert and remove my Garmins in either of these two cases.

Don't let the elastic sides dissuade you from the purchase; they appear to be quite robust and I am certain that this case will last at least as long, if not longer, than Garmin's own.

Like the Garmin case, the AmazonBasics case has a pocket; however about the only thing you could put into either would be a few small pieces of paper. Especially when the GPS is stored in either of the cases, it is difficult to retrieve anything stored in the pocket. Yet I suppose it's better to have it than not to have it. Someone may find a use for it.

Since AmazonBasics has begun, I have obtained several of their items. In all cases thus far I have found the items to be at least comparable to the "name-brand" equivalent (and better made in some cases) and they are priced lower. In my opinion, Amazon Basics products represent good value for money.

The "frustration-free" packaging is a bonus; though you DO need an implement to open the box (I use an ordinary letter opener), there is none of the teeth-gnashing associated with those "wonderful modern" plastic packaging which are now so ubiquitous. (I detest that type of packaging!)

I give this little case five stars in its category - for its construction, for its design, for its usefulness, and for its price.

For owners of the Garmin 200-series GPS units, and for owners of other GPS units which are of the same size, I recommend this case highly.

This is a nice cheap multi-purpose electronics holder. It expands to fit your device and is a good option if you like the flexibility of being able to use it eventually for a different GPS or other electronic device. The outside is stiff enough that it would take a good amount of pressure exerted on the case to damage any LCD screen inside. The sides and top are open, so this is not a good option if you're worried about collecting dust on a seldom-used device. The case expands to fit the device, and looks like it would comfortably fit devices that are up to 4.75 inches long and anywhere from 2.75 to 3.25 inches wide and .5 inches to .9 inches thick. The extra slot in front hardly opens and it would be hard to fit anything more than the shape and thickness of a few credit cards inside it. The "frustration-free packaging" is easy enough to work with that most people should be able to open it with just their hands. For the price and flexibility, it seems like a pretty good deal.

From sitting in a hot car the glue has on several occasions started to melt and stick to my Navigation unit. It is difficult use the case with my Garmin 855 because the fit is too snug.

My sobbing story of using this Amazon branded GPS case was that it completely destroyed the usefulness of the case by smearing the GPS enclosure/LCD screen all over due to the cheap quality craftsmanship. The seams were glued together instead of sewing, as a result, the sticky gummy glues were coming out of the seams and got stuck on my GPS unit. It makes the GPS dirty and almost impossible to clean rather than protecting the GPS unit from getting dirts or scratches, how ironic?!

I initially liked this case for my Garmin GPS. But after a while the glue from the elastic sides started oozing out and got onto the Garmin and made it extremely difficult to get it out of the case. Then I had to clean the glue off of the GPS unit. I don't recommend it for that reason. I had to throw it away.

If you are looking for a portable case for your GPS, the Amazon Basics may be just what you are looking for. This faux leather case will keep your GPS screen free from scratches when not in use in your vehicle. More importantly, I was looking for a small snug case to keep my nüvi in because the excessive heat in an unattended vehicle can shorten the lifespan of the internal lithium battery.

This is a small unit (4.92 x 3.07 x 0.78 inches) and should be able to be used with the following nüvis:

nüvi 200W, nüvi 205W, nüvi 250W, nüvi 255W, nüvi 260W, nüvi 265WT, nüvi 465T, nüvi 610, nüvi 650, nüvi 660, nüvi 670, nüvi 680, nüvi 750, nüvi 755T, nüvi 760, nüvi 765T, nüvi 770, nüvi 775T, nüvi 780, nüvi 785T, nüvi 850, nüvi 855, nüvi 880, nüvi 885T

I checked many of the Magellan Roadmate models and the dimensions won't work with this case, but it's worth checking on your measurements if you misplaced your original case or need an extra one. I did not check the TomToms. Now, some of these nüvis will have a tight fit so it may be wise to check your measurements or if you prefer to have a case in hand you may wish to buy offline.

You need to be careful to check that your power key is set to the right so your screen is locked each time you use the case. Secondly, when you want to remove your GPS, there is no need to tug at it. Place the case on a flat surface or in your lap. Slip your fingers underneath the GPS and your thumb on the top. With your other hand lightly pull the top of the case upwards and gently tug at the GPS to remove it. After a few tries you'll be able to remove your GPS easily.

PROS:

* Snug fit will ensure your GPS will not slip out of the case.

* The internal lithium battery will last longer if you keep it out of the heat in this case.

* The faux leather can be easily cleaned as opposed to real leather.

* The case has a front pocket for notes or credit cards.

* A soft interior felt-like (tricot) liner will keep the screen scratch free.

* Flexible elastic bands on either side of the case enable the user to carry variable sized GPS models.

* Competitive, affordable price.

CONS:

None, unless you accidentally hit the power key when inserting your device.

This case suits my needs perfectly and I'm quite pleased with the quality, the look, and the price. If you are looking for a small, portable case, this is one you might want to consider!

The basic case, as suggested by Amazon, is not a good choice for th Garmin 855 GPS.
The case is too tight and frequently will turn itself on while struggoing with the fit.
If left in the case for a few days, it is almost impossible to remove.

I'm surprised there have been so few complaints about this, but the glue has actually seeped through the felt on the inside of this case, leaving a sticky line on all four sides of my GPS. Annoying in and of itself, sure, but the bigger problem is that you have to cram your fingers between your GPS and the case to pry it loose every time you want to use the GPS. This takes a good 15 seconds or so, and your reward is a sticky GPS. Yes, I leave this in my car, but I'm not in Phoenix and it's always under my seat, so I would assume this melting glue or whatever would be a problem for most people. Ya can't beat the price, and the construction is surprisingly nice, but I gotta throw this away tonight and dig out the Goo Gone.

I was very happy with the case. It was a little too tight for the 4.3" GPS that I bought. But it provides sufficient protection to the GPS. The leather is good in quality and looks great. The problem came after a few hot summer months, some glue melted and it stuck to my GPS. Although it didn't on the screen, the GPS is now sticky to my hands. Not good.

I did some searching online for a case to protect my new Garmin 1350LMT. The price was right and the reviews mostly positive, so I went with it. When it arrived, I was immediately impressed with it's appearance. Looks and feels very well made. Then when I put the Nuvi in, it fit PERFECTLY. Tight enough not to fall out and not TOO tight for removing it. The case is soft and slightly padded, which will serve very well for protecting the screen. I am VERY pleased. Shipped and received as promised. Well packaged. HIGHLY recommended.